Tribal gaming: compact ratification

The law puts three tribal-state gaming agreements into effect immediately, supporting the tribes’ economic development and self-sufficiency. It also limits CEQA review for specified compact-related actions in deference to tribal sovereignty.

What the law does ​

• Ratifies the fifth amendment to California’s gaming compact with the Picayune Rancheria of Chukchansi Indians of California.
• Ratifies a new tribal-state gaming compact with the Fort Mojave Indian Tribe.
• Ratifies the first amendment to California’s gaming compact with the Pechanga Band of Indians.
• Excludes execution of these compacts, specified related intergovernmental agreements, and on-reservation compliance impacts from CEQA’s definition of a project.
• Takes effect immediately as an urgency law.

Who it affects ​

• The Picayune Rancheria of Chukchansi Indians of California, Fort Mojave Indian Tribe, and Pechanga Band of Indians.
• Tribal members and surrounding communities.
• Cities, counties, the Department of Transportation, and other state agencies participating in compact-authorized agreements.

Context ​

Federal law allows tribal-state compacts to authorize certain gaming on Indian lands, while California requires legislative ratification of compacts negotiated by the Governor.